An off-duty paramedic who was waiting to go on holiday sprung into action and helped save the life of a man who collapsed at Stansted Airport.

Ely resident Dan Read, who works for Magpas Helimedix Air Ambulance, was at the airport with his wife and daughter waiting for the final call on his flight abroad on Wednesday afternoon when he saw a man collapse in the main terminal building.

Mr Read, who was dressed in his shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops at the time, clicked straight into work mode and started providing critical treatment on the holiday-maker who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

An air ambulance, carrying Dr Ash Vasireddy and HEMS Paramedic Jo Lambert, flew to the scene of the serious incident - but by the time they arrived they found the 36-year-old carrying out crucial CPR on the man.

All three specialist medics then worked together to provide enhanced pre-hospital care for the patient before the Herts Air Ambulance Air Crew accompanied him to Basildon Hospital.

After the incident the patient is believed to be making a good recovery.

Mr Read, who volunteered for Magpas for four years before recently becoming a full-time paramedic, was first inspired to get involved when the charity attended an incident with his brother.

Antonia Brickell, from Magpas Helimedix Air Ambulance, called the incident “inspiring”.

She said: “On a daily basis these medics are faced with pretty harrowing scenarios. Dan is an amazing.

“This story just proves that it is in their blood – whether they are at work or pottering around on a day off – it is part of them. It’s not just a job.”